accessories & other adventures

Etsy Brings 125 Talented Designers to Made in Canada

There’s no denying that Etsy has emerged as the online marketplace for DIY, handcrafted, and one-of-a-kind goods in recent years. This Saturday I got to see and purchase some of those amazing designs at the MaRs Discovery Centre. This particular event featured 125 vendors selling everything from fashion accessories to baby products to crafts and even vintage items.

The atrium was abuzz with people and exciting things. My addiction to jewellery caused me to stop at every fashion-related booth for some oohing and ahhing. I had the privilege of meeting some of my favourite Etsy designers last year but some new ones caught my eye.

This brand supports a number of independent designers on their Etsy store but on display, they had 80s inspired acrylic earrings. I was like YA, I NEED THOSE IN MY LIFE! So my one purchase of the day was these stunning “Ghost Series” earrings. Made from acrylic sheets laser cut into a puddle shape, these particular ones have an iridescent glow on the bottom shape and a hazy appearance on the top shape. As the earrings twist and turn they reflect different colours which can make any plain outfit pop.

Korinna uses traditional designs but completely revamps them with a modern twist. After hand-dying each piece of nylon, she utilizes the technology of 3D printing to craft the shapes of her earrings and brooches. I literally did a double-take because I was so intrigued by the formations. Each piece was also very lightweight albeit being large in size. Her jewellery is eco-friendly, durable and flexible (but I wouldn’t recommend sleeping with those on).

I’ve had a new found interest in embroidered clothing (maybe it’s because of the patch trend) and Melanie’s Etsy store is all about embroidered jewellery. She embroiders insanely tiny animals and shapes onto fabric which are then attached to a ring or studs. I could not get over how talented she is. Maybe it has to do with the fact that she’s been sewing since the age of nine! Congrats girl, keep it up!

As the name suggest, Mays’ unique jewellery line stems from her love of asymmetric designs. In earrings, this is a big trend for 2017/18 so way-to-go! The shapes and textures of her silver and gold jewellery stem from the moon’s surface.

Her Versatile collection was my fav from the show! I feel it’s important to invest in pieces that can be worn in multiple ways (something I discovered from This Ilk). Mays showed me how a simple hoop earring could be customized to include other elements creating a different earring and altogether be looped into a chain and worn as a necklace. All the pieces were easily detachable making it truly one-of-a-kind.

I love how technology is used to create a new spin on jewellery, whether that’s laser cutting or 3D printing. Even modernizing traditional techniques as done by Melanie or severely oxidising silver by Mays, each crafter had something different to offer. If you had a chance to visit the other shows across the country or recommend an Etsy seller, lemme know in the comments. And be sure to show these lovely ladies some love 🙂